AutoPilot Woes - Clutch

[Hat52MY]

AutoPilot Woes - Clutch Bypass Engaged

Two miles out of Ponce inlet on the way to the Bahamas the auto pilot decides to tell me "Clutch Bypass Engaged". This is the first time I have ever seen this message. I can not find any way to disengage through the menu. One thing I find very interesting, the drive I have installed does not even utilize the "clutch bypass switch" - no wires even installed on the jumpers of the board. Its a reversible pump, not a hydraulic linear drive.

Robertson AP300x w/reversible drive pump

Attempted but no resolve:
- Rest the breaker and powered up unit (several times)
- Went through autopilot setup to ensue proper drive unit is configured - reversible motor
- A rudder test is possible, completes successfully but when engaging autopilot, "clutch bypass engaged" is displayed

Has anyone else seen this or know how to correct? Appreciate everyone's input as I would like to resolve before heading back to the state...really miss the autopilot, makes for long days.

 

[Hat52MY]

I spoke to tech support at Robertson/Simrad today. It appears all the settings are correct in the setup. They do not understand why I am getting the error either. They mentioned one way to trick the board was to install a 100 ohm resistor across the clutch bypass. Anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Hat52MY]

Closing the loop on some threads. The ohm trick did not work for me. The old autopilot led a good life and it was time. I had the old autoPilot removed and new one installed.

 

[drburke]

David, do you still have your old Robertson parts?

DAN

 

[Hat52MY]

DAN - I do; however, someone else has already laid claim to the old components.